Pete DeBoer comes from an organization where doubt is part of the mindset.

The Florida Panthers, whom DeBoer coached for the past three seasons, have missed the playoffs in each of the last 10 years. They haven’t advanced past the first round since 1996.

So DeBoer, set to open training camp as the Devils’ new head coach, would recognize shaken confidence if it existed around a team embarrassed by missing the playoffs last spring.

“I don’t sense that. I think there is optimism,” DeBoer said in an interview with The Star-Ledger. “I think guys are ticked off. I think they’re excited to right the ship. I don’t sense any doubts or lack of confidence.”

Rookies report today for physicals and will be on the ice Thursday. Veterans take their medicals Thursday morning and hit the AmeriHealth Pavilion ice on Saturday.

DeBoer’s said decisions such as who replaces the injured Travis Zajac as the Devils’ No. 1 center and whether rookie defenseman Adam Larsson is ready to play in the NHL will be determined as the preseason progresses.

“I think just getting to know the personnel and personalities and what makes each guy go is probably most challenging for me,” DeBoer said. “Every athlete has different motivators. A coach’s biggest hurdle is finding out what buttons each guy responds to, and you have to get to know them to do that.

“I think from the short time I’ve been here and the conversations I’ve had you have a lot of self-motivated athletes here. Obviously these are guys with something to prove after the way last year went. That’s a good thing.”

The team’s style will not be a drastic change.

“It’s going to be a version of what New Jersey’s identity has been for years,” DeBoer explained. “It’s been a team that’s very hard to play against every night, competes, plays the right way and doesn’t give you anything. At the same time I believe with the group we have here we can put some pressure on the other team offensively and at the net. That’s going to be stressed because I don’t think it’s any secret shots-for and goals are areas we have to improve this year.”

Patrik Elias and Jacob Josefson are the top candidates to assume the role of first-line center. Zajac’s absence until at least late November will open up a spot in the middle.

“It’s someone else’s opportunity,” DeBoer noted. “Travis is a real good player and a big part of this team but there is some depth here and there are some young kids that are knocking on the door to take advantage of the opportunity they’re going to be given. Like a young Travis Zajac did four or five years ago when he came in.”

The Devils are high on 21-year-old Adam Henrique, their fourth pick (82nd overall) in 2008.

“Actually I know Adam fairly well having watched him in Ontario come up through the junior ranks with Windsor. I always admired how he played and his versatility,” DeBoer said. “I was real impressed with the year he had in the AHL. It’s a tough jump for kids to make. To score 25 goals in the American League your first year is quite a feat. I’m excited about him and the potential he has to earn a job here in camp.”

And Larsson, the Swedish defenseman taken fourth overall by the Devils in June’s entry draft?

“I don’t know a lot. I do know that he wants desperately to play in the NHL this year,” DeBoer said. “He signed and committed to coming over here to do that. He arrived in town almost the same day I did, two or two and a half weeks ago. He’s been skating since then on a daily basis, so he’s a kid that has taken the challenge seriously. I’m looking forward to seeing him in camp.”

DeBoer addressed several topics.

Who is the team’s No. 1 left wing, Ilya Kovalchuk or Zach Parise

“I can understand how some players might be sensitive to that. Knowing these two guys, they’re team-first guys who care about one thing and that’s winning I view it like we have the luxury of two first-line players. I don’t tend to look at positions as much as top three players or top six players. These guys are both top three players and you have the luxury of spreading them on two lines. Whether you call one a first line and one a second line, I don’t think it matters. It’s a great luxury to have as a coach and there is lots of ice time to go around.”

Who will be the Devils’ captain?

“Everybody is going to get a chance to show me what they can do both on the ice and from a leadership point of view. Those things sort themselves out. I think they become evident as you start to get into camp. Sometimes it comes a couple of days in and sometimes it’s a few weeks in. We’re not going to rush into it and Lou knows the group better than anybody. He and I will have some good conversations about that.”

Patrik Elias was a past captain who had his ‘C’ taken away.

“It’s not a factor for me. Again, I’m cleaning the slate on everything and giving everybody an opportunity to show me what they’re about and what they can do. Anything that’s happened in the past isn’t something I’m concerned about.”

What about the coaching staff?

“Larry (Robinson) has a real calming demeanor. Adam is a real intelligent man who really thinks outside the box and isn’t afraid to come up with some ideas on his own. Chris Terreri has obviously been a stalwart here and does a great job with the goaltenders.

“It was obvious I didn’t want to re-invent the wheel. These are good men and they did an excellent job here. Lou did give me an opportunity to talk to Dave Barr. I think it became evident we felt Dave could add something to the staff. I didn’t know Dave well but I coached against him and always admired how hard his teams played. He was part of a Minnesota staff I thought did a real good job, especially in the special teams area. It was a good fit, so we have an extra man around as opposed to a year ago.”

Will Scott Stevens help out?

“I hope so. I know he was around last year. Scott is a guy I’m really hoping is around. I coached the Kitchener Rangers for seven years and the Stevens family in Kitrchener is legendary. I got a chance to meet Scott on a few occasions. The more of those guys that are around, the better for me.”

What about the battle between Cam Janssen and Eric Boulton for a roster spot? Can you keep both?

“That’s what training camp is going to show us. It’s a nice luxury to have those types of guys in your lineup, in the stands or in the organization depending on the night and what you need. You have the ability to dress a tough lineup if you want.

“I’m familiar with both those guys. I have a lot of respect for both of them and how they do their jobs. I’ve been assured and I have a real comfort level that we’re deep in a lot of different areas, including defense and up front.”